The Rejected Mate (Elaine and Michael) novel Chapter 146

146 /146

(Darius)

Life is full of surprises.

One moment, they had been standing beneath the towering pines of Silverblade territory, reliving old wounds and retelling the story of a past that had shaped every choice afterward—Michael and Elaine, torn apart. Nathan listened with quiet eyes, accepting Leo as his brother not by blood alone, but by heart and loyalty—a young wolf choosing love over pride.

Leo had confessed his wish for a peaceful life rather than the heavy crown of leadership. His voice had trembled, yet his conviction held steady like a sapling rooted against winter wind. And Michael—who had once sacrificed everything for the alpha title—had nodded, understanding with the maturity that only loss could teach.Kathy’s eyes shone with pride and relief as she cradled her son’s truth like it was something sacred. Their family had heale that day, threads woven back together with honesty instead of expectation.

Darius had never been more proud than he was in that moment. Watching Nathan–his son- not as a child, but as a true future Alpha. The way he had handled the tension, the way he spoke, listened, and supported his brother Leo… it was the mark of a leader. Compassionate. Steady. Strong where it mattered most. One day, he would lead better than Darius himself ever had. The thought did not wound his pride–it filled him with quiet joy.

And now, the world shifted again.

Crescent Moon had welcomed them home, the wide valley glowing gold in autumn light, mountain shadows stretching long as the sun dipped behind the ridges. The halls of the packhouse hummed with familiar sounds–training calls from the warriors‘ yard, laughter from the kitchen, the rhythm of a living pack breathing as one.

Darius stood on the balcony outside his office, inhaling the cool air scented with pine sap and river stone. Below, wolves moved like silver shadows across the courtyard, preparing for evening drills. The land felt different now–softer somehow. As if his heart had learned new ways to breathe.

Behind him, footsteps light as falling leaves approached. He didn’t turn–he knew this presence better than his own heartbeat.

Elaine.

Her scent had changed, tender and warm in a way only a mother’s body could reveal. When she touched his arm and guided his hand to rest over her belly, he froze–not from surprise, but from a rush of emotion so powerful it stole his breath.

Their third pup.

It was a blessing he had never dared to wish for. He was content with Nathan and Stella.

He turned to her slowly, his hand trembling against her. “You are sure?”

Her smile was soft, eyes glowing with that quiet fire he first fell in love with. “Yes, Darius. Our third pup.”

For a heartbeat, he simply closed his eyes and let the truth settle. Blessed. That was the only word large enough to hold everything in his chest. Blessed with a Luna made of strength and gentleness. Blessed with children who carried the future in their eyes–Nathan, his calm storm; Stella, fierce and bright and stubborn like her mother; and now another pup waiting to be part of their story.

He remembered the first time he ever saw Elaine in Silverblade. The world had seemed to tilt, as if every star in the sky had leaned close to whisper her name. Her scent had been tinged with sadness, her eyes deep pools of pain–but even then, she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. A beauty not just of form, but of spirit. A wolf with broken wings still willing to stand.